Safe Software, makers of FME®, the leading spatial data transformation technology, announced today that the latest version of its core technology, FME 2015, is now available in both FME Desktop and FME Server. Developments aim to help users easily move their data where it needs to be and keep up with technology that is constantly evolving, not only with tools that enable them to use more data in more ways, but with enhanced usability features that allow them to work with FME more efficiently and focus on getting the most from their data. 
New Capabilities with BIM Data
FME 2015 has taken steps forward with its support for BIM data including new IFC writing capabilities that allow models to be created by combining other formats like GIS. The new release also offers enhancements that enable smoother reading of BIM data from IFC, Autodesk Revit® and Trimble SketchUp®.
“Over the past few years, requests from our customers surrounding BIM data have been popping up more and more frequently,” says Dale Lutz, Co-CEO and VP of Development at Safe Software. “With this release we’ve answered in a big way, particularly with IFC writing which is a very complex task, and now it is ready for users to start creating their own BIM models from aggregated data.”
Expanded Point Cloud Options
Users can take advantage of additional point cloud capabilities including read support for new formats CARIS CSAR and RIEGL 6.0 RDB and the new PointCloudMerger, PointCloudSorter, and PointCloudStatisticsCalculator transformers. Existing tools have also undergone upgrades: LAS support now covers versions 1.3 and 1.4, and Esri LASD files; XYZ support includes .csv and .txt file extensions; and non-spatial point cloud functionality has been added to several transformers.
Updated Esri ArcGIS Support to Version 10.3
Esri users can upgrade to ArcGIS 10.3 without disrupting their existing FME workflows as FME 2015 brings with it support for the latest version of Esri’s flagship product.
Also included with FME 2015 are upgrades to support for commonly used CAD applications like Autodesk AutoCAD®, including AutoCAD Map 3D® and AutoCAD Civil 3D®, as well as Bentley MicroStation®.
Enhanced Support for Web Mapping Services
FME 2015 includes improvements to its support for ArcGIS Online and has added read and write capabilities for CartoDB. ArcGIS Online users can also access locally hosted feature services through its new support for ArcGIS Server Feature Services and Portal for ArcGIS 10.3.
New Tools for Accessing Online File Storage Services
Users can integrate online file storage services into FME workflows with the new HTTPCaller, and FTPCaller transformers, and new tools for Amazon™ S3.
Minecraft Reading and Writing
Moving into new data territory, FME 2015 supports Minecraft® to enable users to make their GIS and other data available through its interactively discoverable gaming platform.
“This is a great new feature that will enable FME users to upload their data into the Minecraft gaming engine to get an idea of how it looks in a 3D virtual environment that they can pan around in,” says Lutz. “This will be particularly useful for any organization involved in city planning.”
Access to More Database Systems with JDBC Reading and Writing
FME 2015 introduces read and write support for JDBC which will enable users to connect to many more systems and databases including SAP HANA®, Neo4j, and Microsoft SQL Server® on Linux®, to name a few.
Other Newly Supported Formats and Applications
In addition to the newly supported formats and services already mentioned, FME 2015 can connect to several others across a range of data sources and destinations. Most notable inclusions are Autodesk FBX, Google Maps Engine Rasters, Microsoft SharePoint® Lists, OGC® GeoPackage, OpenSceneGraph OSGB, SFX Panorama Exchange reading, and TetGen.
Additional Highlights Worth Noting
- Improved Excel data handling
- The new PDFPageFormatter transformer that enables greater control over appearance of PDFs
- Enhancements to the FeatureMerger which improve its functionality, usability and performance
- A new standardized method of attribute merging for all transformers that handle this function such as the NeighborFinder and the Clipper
- The new Reprojection Grid Add-On which gives the option of adding several grids including NSRS2007 and NSRS2011
FME Desktop 2015 Highlights
FME Desktop 2015 includes changes to FME Workbench that have created a more convenient workflow authoring environment with new functionality, features, and canvas enhancements such as:
- A Rolling Counts feature at runtime which give users instant feedback about how their workspace is progressing
- Database and web service connections that are defined only once to provide access from unlimited FME workspaces without them containing the password credentials
- Horizontal resizing of transformers and feature types
- Object snapping to grids and guides.
- Canvas auto-scrolling
- New visual cues like highlighting and pop-up buttons help users find what they’re looking for faster
- A tree-based undo tool which allows users to move backwards and forwards in their changes more easily and with more control
- An Automatic mode option when defining attributes that automatically generates a writer’s attribute schema based on the reader inputs it is attached to for less manual work
- Context sensitive naming for feature types where FME uses terminology that is native to the format the user is working with
The FME Data Inspector has also seen some changes that give users more options for assessing their data including support for more basemap sources like Bing®, Nokia® HERE, Google Maps Engine, and users’ own ArcGIS Online maps.
FME Server 2015 Highlights
The latest version of FME Server has made changes aimed at extending its capabilities to a wider audience including a revamped web interface that is more approachable, enabling users of all technical skill levels to automate data transformation workflows. This improved usability extends to the notification services interface where it is now simpler to configure components like topics.
It is also an easier job to be an FME Server administrator in 2015 with activities that are more easily executed with more automation. Examples include the ability to execute tasks like controlling FME Engine resources and configuring Cross Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) from the web user interface, in addition to automatic clean-up for logs and temporary workspace files and improved failover and fault tolerance procedures.
Included with this release is improved real-time support with the addition of “set it and forget it” functionality which ensures workflows which must be on constantly will run until cancelled by a user.
“With this release, we’ve really focused on enhancing the FME Server experience, making changes that improve its usability and functionality, decreasing the effort required on the part of the user,” says Don Murray, President and Co-CEO of Safe Software. “We want to give our users more time to work with their data and come up with new and exciting ways to use it and FME Server 2015, our most low-maintenance and user-friendly version yet, is enabling us to do just that.”
For more information on FME 2015 please visit www.safe.com/fme/new.
FME World Tour 2015
Safe also announced that registration is open for the FME World Tour 2015 which will commence April 8 in Vancouver, Canada, and continue on to 60+ cities in 22 countries around the world. This series of events features presentations that introduce FME’s capabilities, cover current use cases, and discuss what’s great in FME 2015.
For more information on locations and dates or to register visit www.safe.com/worldtour.
About Safe and FME
Safe Software is the maker of FME and the pioneering global leader in spatial data transformation technology. FME empowers users to confidently transform data so it can be used and shared – where, when and how it’s needed. Available in seven languages, FME’s unmatched transformation capabilities and support for 325+ formats and countless applications enables you to quickly overcome data challenges so you can focus on your objectives. Discover why leading vendors and thousands of organizations worldwide rely on FME to quickly overcome barriers to using and sharing data. Visit www.safe.com.
Source: GeoCommunity
